The Swindon Wildcats opened their 2026/27 Planet Ice NIHL National Division campaign with a weekend of competitive hockey, taking plenty of positives into the season ahead.


Before Saturday’s opening face-off at the Link Centre, there was a special moment as the Wildcats unveiled their 2025/26 league-winning banner to the home crowd. A number of players from last season’s title-winning squad were in attendance to celebrate the achievement alongside the current team and supporters.


With the banner proudly raised to the rafters, attention turned to the opening game against the Peterborough Phantoms in front of 1,310 fans.


Swindon Wildcats 4-6 Peterborough Phantoms


The Wildcats made a strong start, with Reed Sayers opening the scoring midway through the first period. Peterborough responded with two quick goals before Sean Richards restored parity on the power play in the second.


The Phantoms edged ahead again before the Wildcats fought back in the third through Owen Griffiths, who found the net twice to put Swindon back in the game. Peterborough ultimately secured the points with two late goals in the third to claim a 6-4 victory.


Sheffield Steeldogs (PS) 2-1 Swindon Wildcats


The Wildcats were back on the road on Sunday, travelling to Sheffield to face the Steeldogs.


The Steeldogs took the lead but Swindon again showed their resilience, with Sean Richards scoring in the third period to tie the game at one a piece and send it to overtime.


The game couldn't be decided in overtime and it would be CJ Garcia who settled the contest scoring the only shootout goal, giving the Steeldogs a 2-1 win.


Despite the result, the Wildcats leave the opening weekend having shown plenty of fight across both games, with five different goalscorers finding the net and a point secured on the road in Sheffield.


The Wildcats now turn their attention to Friday night, when the Bristol Pitbulls visit the Link Centre for the first South-West Derby of the season.